1 Paleoradiology: History and New Developments - Academia.dk

70 Chapter 3 The Taphonomic Process, Human Variation, and X-ray Studies
Fig. 3.33. Posterior occipital fragment in x-ray of an ancient
cow skull, which displays on the surface some antimortem
holes; etiology as yet unknown
(1969) in assembling a selection of animal paleopathology
from the prehistoric site of Lerna in Greece.
Costs are always a matter for consideration, and multiple-specimen
x-rays are far more economical and
quite sufficient for the basic scanning of significant
numbers of specimens.
It should be mentioned that zooarcheologists can
see dry-bone pathology that extends beyond the normal
range of cases normally seen by veterinary colleagues
on the living. In such instances, it is especially
important to have x-rays available for discussion and
tentative diagnosis. For instance, there are quite a
number of cases of ancient bovid skulls displaying on
the external surface of the occipital bone (at the posterior
nuchal aspect) one, or often more than one, rounded
perforation (Brothwell et al. 1996), but as yet only
preliminary radiographic studies have been undertaken
(Fig. 3.33). Yet, the chances of a correct diagnosis
rests on assessing the external apertures in relation to
the connecting internal sinus complex, which means
in turn the need to “close in” on the perforations by
digital radiography or local CT scanning.
Exotic species are not to be excluded when considering
species representation and animal health, for
even ancient societies kept tamed or caged wild forms.
As a result of poor feeding, conditions such as rickets
and nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism can
occur (Porter 1986).
Finally, it should be noted that even with apparently
“normal” bone it is advisable to routinely x-ray
important specimens before subjecting them to any
destructive tests, in order to reveal any hidden pathologies
and provide a record for future reference.
3.12
Summary
While in the past, radiography has been neglected by
archeological botanists and zooarcheologists, there is
now clear evidence of its potential in assisting in the
evaluation of basic structures, of growth and aging,
normal variation, and in the complex field of vertebrate
paleopathology. There will be little excuse in
the future for ignoring this technique in the field of
bioarcheology. In particular, it appears clear that digital
radiography and CT scanning may transform the
quality of information derived from such investigations.
Acknowledgments
I would like to express my considerable appreciation
to Naomi Mott, who worked with me at University
College London (UK) on aspects of x-raying both the
skeletal and mummified remains of various species of
vertebrate, and Jacqui Watson for considerable help
and advice on botanical aspects.
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